By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has condemned cyberbullying, citing its severe emotional and psychological consequences.
Those found guilty of cyberbullying will face penalties of up to 10 years in prison or pay fine.
Potraz states that “according to the law, anyone convicted of cyberbullying may face a fine of up to level 10, or Imprisonment for up to 10 years, or Both a fine and imprisonment”
“POTRAZ strongly condemns all forms of cyberbullying. Such conduct is a violation of personal privacy and a serious criminal offense under Section 164B of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform Act) [Chapter 9:23].”
Cyberbullying is a malicious act that involves sending or posting harmful, intimidating, or humiliating messages or information on social media platforms, private chats, or other digital forums.
This behaviour is intended to coerce, intimidate, harass, threaten, or cause substantial emotional distress to victims. In extreme cases, it can lead to self-harm or even suicide, highlighting the grave emotional and psychological consequences it imposes
POTRAZ notes that such actions, often occurring on social media, private chats, and other online forums, are intended to coerce, intimidate, harass, threaten, or cause significant emotional distress to victims.
The Authority highlights the extreme cases where cyberbullying has contributed to self-harm or suicide, underscoring the severe psychological impact it can have.
POTRAZ thus unequivocally condemned all forms of cyberbullying, stating that such conduct violates personal privacy and constitutes a criminal offense.